Bird Description

Fairly common in gardens, at field edges, and in hedgerows. Hardy, moving s. in late fall, and comfortable enough to still sing in snow. Feeds on the ground in cold weather and visits feeders. Typically stays well hidden. Song: a series of explosive warbled notes unlike other sparrows. Call a distinctive loud 'tchak,' most similar to BRTH. ID: Easily the largest and most robust sparrow with a thick neck and medium-length tail. Its size and rich colors are more thrush- or towhee-like. The overall rusty red complexion is nicely complimented by gray in the face and back. The breast streaks, on close inspection, are more arrow-like, and are concentrated in the center of the breast, often appearing as a single spot.